09/15/2011

An Increasing Battle for MBA Talent

When the financial crisis hit in 2007, many companies were subject to a hiring freeze. Not only were entry-level candidates out of a job, but experienced MBA graduates as well. The opportunity cost of an MBA degree had lost its value. Thankfully for MBA grads beginning in 2010, the additional educational investment once again began to make difference.

As we roll into the 2012 hiring season, the MBA job market is experiencing an even more robust increase in hiring. MBA grads no longer have to go without a job or settle for second best; companies are back to fighting for the top MBA talent. U.S. business schools across the nation have seen a 76% jump in on-campus recruiting activity from 2010 to 2011.

After surveying approximately 13,000 companies across 6 continents in July, Antal, an international recruitment specialist, has translated this increase in recruiting to 52% of companies hiring. This is up 2% from a few short months ago in February. Top emerging markets are seeing an even greater jump in hiring. 70% of employers in Brazil are planning to hire MBA grads in the next 3 months, and in India, the figure is 80%. Moreover, MBA grads who shy away from the ever-present consulting and finance firms can find work in a number of growing industries, such as technology, luxury goods, and energy.

The question of whether to pursue a MBA degree or not has always been one that requires a lot of thought. However, as a result of the increasing activity in the MBA market, the benefits are beginning to outweigh the costs once again. Good luck!